A former journalist and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Modele Sarafa-Yusuf, has formally expressed interest in contesting the 2027 governorship election in the state.
In an open letter posted on her X handle on Thursday, February 26, addressed to party leaders, members, and stakeholders in Ogun State, Sarafa-Yusuf said her decision followed months of reflection and extensive consultations across political and civic circles within the state.
She noted that she deliberately chose a written declaration in order to be “public, honest, and focused on responsibility rather than spectacle.”
According to the former Nigerian Television Authority reporter, the current political moment presents a critical test for Ogun State, particularly in managing growth, equity, and continuity.
She argued that while the state is endowed with industrial capacity, intellectual capital, cultural heritage, and strategic national relevance, progress requires more than natural advantages.
“Blessings alone do not guarantee progress,” Sarafa-Yusuf said. “Progress demands deliberate leadership, balance, trust, and continuity.”
She explained that her engagement over recent months went beyond social media discussions and included consultations with individuals familiar with the internal workings of the state and the implications of political transitions.
Feedback from those engagements, she said, consistently pointed to heightened risks in the forthcoming electoral cycle.
Sarafa-Yusuf Recalls Her 2022 Governorship Race
Sarafa-Yusuf recalled her previous attempt at the governorship in 2022, noting that although she did not emerge victorious, she accepted the outcome without disrupting party unity or the political system.
She said the experience helped her better understand the limits of political competition and the importance of contesting without fracturing either the party or the state.
She stressed that her renewed interest is not driven by unfinished ambition but by what she described as a changed political environment requiring greater caution and balance.
Addressing concerns about her relationship with the current administration, Sarafa-Yusuf said she has maintained a cordial and respectful relationship with Governor Dapo Abiodun, whom she described as the leader of the party in the state, as well as with other former leaders.
She emphasized that her aspiration is not intended to undermine existing leadership or reopen past political divisions, but rather to preserve institutional stability while improving governance where necessary.
On the long-standing agitation for power shift to Ogun West, Sarafa-Yusuf acknowledged the legitimacy of the concerns but warned against allowing zoning debates to escalate into destabilising grievances.
She said the challenge before the party and the state is to promote inclusion without inflaming tensions.
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She also cautioned against what she termed the risks of populist politics, arguing that while loud and theatrical politics can mobilise support quickly, it often undermines governance, party cohesion, public trust, and investor confidence.
“Ogun State has historically favoured moderation, balance, and respect for institutions,” she noted.
Sarafa-Yusuf further acknowledged the gender dimension of her aspiration, noting that Nigeria has yet to elect a female governor.
While recognising the significance of breaking that barrier, she stressed that her candidacy is grounded in competence and capacity rather than symbolism.
“This is not about tokenism,” she said. “It is about leadership ability and readiness to govern.”
Her declaration places her among early figures positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 governorship race in Ogun State, as internal consultations and alignments within the APC gradually take shape.
Iyabo Obasanjo, Daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former senator, has also publicly announced her aspiration to contest the APC governorship primaries for Ogun State in 2027.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
